Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own, and based off of an interview conversation with Rachel Gottlieb, LCSW.

Part of RocklandNYMom’s commitment to becoming THE resource for the families of Rockland County and its surround areas means finding and connecting with ANYONE associated with children and families.  I often joke with clients, family and readers that I collect people.  That’s the thing about RNYM that makes us so proud.  It’s personal.  We make a personal connection and commitment to those associated with our page.  Today’s post is no different.  I won’t call it a review it’s more of a recount.  I cannot write a typical “review” a LCSW.  I can however tell you about what she does, her specialties, and about the amazing conversation we had in which I determined that this is a woman I would be able to open up to (and probably did a bit too much) and that I am more than pleased to add her to the arsenal of amazing listings available to our readers.

I would like to introduce you to Rachel Gottlieb.  Rachel has been a LCSW since 1997 and works with children, families, adults, couples, you name it.  She specializes in those ages 5-18 years.  Her office is located at 67 S. Main Street in Pearl River (right near the Music Conservatory and Vision).  Rachel’s hours are Monday – Friday 8-4 by appointment with extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Although she can and will see anyone for any reason deemed necessary, she most commonly works with anxiety, behavioral issues, conduct disorders, mood disorders, and those dealing with family strain.  One more great reason to see her?  She takes most insurance plans, which almost NO other counselor does. 

As parents our children are our first priority ALWAYS.  We need to seek for them the best help that we can.  We need to create a caring and loving environment in which they can flourish, and I LOVE that this is Rachel’s whole philosophy.  Rachel believes that you need to work with the family in order to help the children.  She uses insight gained in conversations with family members, observations during family interactions, and from some other places that I didn’t know could be so telling.  In fact, she meets with parents prior to the child, and then does another session where all family members are present before working with the child independently.

Rachel uses a lot of play therapy (you have to see her toys).  This type of therapy is helpful in making children (really anyone) comfortable enough to have a conversation.  It takes the pressure off.  There isn’t eye contact, which can be intimidating.  It enables people to relax and let their guard down.  She starts her first child visit by bringing an age appropriate toy with her to the waiting room to meet the child.

Another avenue that Rachel uses to help to work with children is the use of drawing and art.  It’s no secret that art is a way to express emotions but I had no idea how much could be accomplished and learned by using a child’s art.  One exercise that Rachel described that she uses is called the “Butterfly Activity” it helps with stress and anxiety by giving labels to stressors.  She said it’s one of the few exercises that she learned in graduate school that she still uses very frequently.  What a great activity, I’ve even asked if I could use it with my students for test anxiety!

I was also unaware how much you could learn about a child by having them draw something simple, like a family portrait.  (A) is in preschool and does this frequently so when she started talking about it I was intrigued, hoping to gain some insight into how his little mind is working.  Some of the littlest and cutest things drawn can actually tell us so much.  So yes I was so relieved, the last time (A) drew a family portrait we were all superheroes and had capes.

When my parents divorced in 1988 my mother brought me to a counselor, which was great, super responsible.  I didn’t relate well to the woman.  I remember my first and only session.  I hated it, she was condescending and made me uncomfortable.  The office was dark.  Rachel is nothing like that.  She’s comforting and kind, her office is bright and full of fun.  Although I think I ended up rather well adjusted (ha ha ha) I think that this is the type of counselor I wouldn’t have minded going to see.

To speak with Rachel or to set up an appointment you can call her at:

917-797-4640.